A large group of Astronauts from the Shuttle and Apollo projects wave to crowds as the Space shuttle Atlantis makes its trip to its new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, early Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

In the Vehicle Assembly Building, United Space Alliance technician Brenda Morris examines the surface on Space Shuttle Atlantis' external tank where hail damage has been repaired. At the top of the photo is a white/translucent square mold where the foam has been applied and the foam has risen and cured against the mold surface. In late February, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The March launch was postponed and has not yet been rescheduled due to the repair process.

Space shuttle Atlantis rolls away from the Vehicle Assembly Building as it begins its trip to its new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, early Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Space shuttle Atlantis is seen as it rolls out of the Vehicle Assembly Building to start its trip to its new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Space shuttle Atlantis is seen during its trip to its new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, early Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Space shuttle Atlantis is seen during its trip to its new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, early Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Space shuttle Atlantis is seen during its trip to its new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, early Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Kennedy Space Center Director Robert Cabana, left, and NASA Administrator Charles Bolden talk about space shuttle Atlantis, Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Cheryl Hurst, Director of Education and External Relations at Kennedy Space Center, speaks at the signing ceremony for space shuttle Atlantis, background, Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Space shuttle Atlantis is seen as it rolls down Kennedy Parkway on its way to its new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Space shuttle Atlantis is seen during its trip to its new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, early Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Space shuttle Atlantis is seen during its trip to its new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, early Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Space shuttle Atlantis is seen near the Orbiter Processing Facility during its trip to its new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, early Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Onlookers wearing commemorative t-shirts watch as space shuttle Atlantis rolls to ts new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, early Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

An onlooker holds up a mobile device to record space shuttle Atlantis as it rolls to ts new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, early Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The Titusville High School band parades ahead of space shuttle Atlantis as it makes its way to its new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, early Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Space shuttle Atlantis, (OV-104), is seen as it begins its trip to its new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, early Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Kennedy Space Center Director Robert Cabana speaks at the signing ceremony for space shuttle Atlantis, background, Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

A small color guard carry flags during the procession for space shuttle Atlantis as it makes its way to its new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, early Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Space shuttle Atlantis, (OV-104), is seen as it begins its trip to its new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, early Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Space shuttle Atlantis is seen during its trip to its new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, early Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Searra Weeks, from Kennedy Middle School, sings the National Anthem, at the signing ceremony for space shuttle Atlantis, background, Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

William Moore, COO, KSC VC, DNC Parks & Recreation, speaks at the signing ceremony, for space shuttle Atlantis, background, Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Military personnel salute as Searra Weeks, from Kennedy Middle School, sings the National Anthem, at the signing ceremony for space shuttle Atlantis, background, Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Karol Bobko, who commanded STS-51, the first flight of space shuttle Atlantis, background, speaks at the signing ceremony, Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

In the Vehicle Assembly Building, markers show the hail damage being repaired on the external tank of Space Shuttle Atlantis. The white hole with a red circle around it is a hole prepared for molding and material application. The red material is sealant tape so the mold doesn't leak when the foam rises against the mold. The white/ translucent square mold is an area where the foam has been applied and the foam has risen and cured against the mold surface. The area will be de-molded and sanded flush the with adjacent area. In late February, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The March launch was postponed and has not yet been rescheduled due to the repair process.

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, left, and Kennedy Space Center director Robert Cabana pose for a photo as space shuttle Atlantis rolls toward its new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, early Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

In the Vehicle Assembly Building, United Space Alliance technicians Brenda Morris and Brian Williams are applying foam and molds on Space Shuttle Atlantis' external tank to areas damaged by hail. The white hole with a red circle around it (upper right) is a hole prepared for molding and material application. The red material is sealant tape so the mold doesn't leak when the foam rises against the mold. The white/ translucent square mold is an area where the foam has been applied and the foam has risen and cured against the mold surface. In late February, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The March launch was postponed and has not yet been rescheduled due to the repair process.

Space Shuttle Atlantis landed at 12:33 p.m. February 20, 2001, on the runway at Edwards Air Force Base, California, where NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is located. The mission, which began February 7, logged 5.3 million miles as the shuttle orbited earth while delivering the Destiny science laboratory to the International Space Station. Inclement weather conditions in Florida prompted the decision to land Atlantis at Edwards. The last time a space shuttle landed at Edwards was Oct. 24, 2000.

The five crew members of the Space Shuttle Atlantis on the STS-98 mission depart NASA Dryden to return to the Johnson Space Center at Houston. They briefly extended greetings to Dryden staff members on the ramp area behind Dryden's Main Building at a crew ceremony on February 21, 2001.

Space Shuttle Atlantis landed at 12:33 p.m. February 20, 2001, on the runway at Edwards Air Force Base, California, where NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is located. The mission, which began February 7, logged 5.3 million miles as the shuttle orbited earth while delivering the Destiny science laboratory to the International Space Station. Inclement weather conditions in Florida prompted the decision to land Atlantis at Edwards. The last time a space shuttle landed at Edwards was Oct. 24, 2000.

NASA's space shuttle Atlantis and its 747 carrier taxied on the Edwards Air Force Base flightline as the unusual combination left for Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on March 1, 2001. Atlantis and the shuttle Columbia were both airborne on the same day as they migrated from California to Florida. Columbia underwent refurbishing at nearby Palmdale, California.

NASA's space shuttle Atlantis and its 747 carrier taxied on the Edwards Air Force Base flightline as the unusual combination left for Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on March 1, 2001. Atlantis and the shuttle Columbia were both airborne on the same day as they migrated from California to Florida. Columbia underwent refurbishing at nearby Palmdale, California.

Space Shuttle Atlantis landed at 12:33 p.m. February 20, 2001, on the runway at Edwards Air Force Base, California, where NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is located. The mission, which began February 7, logged 5.3 million miles as the shuttle orbited earth while delivering the Destiny science laboratory to the International Space Station. Inclement weather conditions in Florida prompted the decision to land Atlantis at Edwards. The last time a space shuttle landed at Edwards was Oct. 24, 2000.

Space Shuttle Atlantis landed at 12:33 p.m. February 20 on the runway at Edwards Air Force Base, California, where NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is located. The mission, which began February 7, logged 5.3 million miles as the shuttle orbited earth while delivering the Destiny science laboratory to the International Space Station. Inclement weather conditions in Florida prompted the decision to land Atlantis at Edwards. The last time a space shuttle landed at Edwards was Oct. 24, 2000.

Space Shuttle Atlantis landed at 12:33 p.m. February 20, 2001, on the runway at Edwards Air Force Base, California, where NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is located. The mission, which began February 7, logged 5.3 million miles as the shuttle orbited earth while delivering the Destiny science laboratory to the International Space Station. Inclement weather conditions in Florida prompted the decision to land Atlantis at Edwards. The last time a space shuttle landed at Edwards was Oct. 24, 2000.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new space shuttle, Atlantis, arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The shuttle is mounted atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boeing 747. Over the next seven months Atlantis will be prepared for its maiden voyage, STS-51J. Atlantis, NASA's fourth space-rated shuttle, was named after the two-masted boat that served as the primary research vessel for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts from 1930 to 1966. The boat had a 17-member crew and accommodated up to five scientists who worked in two onboard laboratories, examining water samples and marine life. Like its predecessors, Atlantis was constructed by Rockwell International in Palmdale, Calif. The spacecraft was transported over land from Palmdale to Edwards Air Force Base on April 3, 1985 for the cross-country ferry flight to Kennedy. For more: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/atlantis-info.html Photo credit: NASA/Louie Rochefort

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new space shuttle, Atlantis, arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The shuttle is mounted atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boeing 747. Over the next seven months Atlantis will be prepared for its maiden voyage, STS-51J. Atlantis, NASA's fourth space-rated shuttle, was named after the two-masted boat that served as the primary research vessel for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts from 1930 to 1966. The boat had a 17-member crew and accommodated up to five scientists who worked in two onboard laboratories, examining water samples and marine life. Like its predecessors, Atlantis was constructed by Rockwell International in Palmdale, Calif. The spacecraft was transported over land from Palmdale to Edwards Air Force Base on April 3, 1985 for the cross-country ferry flight to Kennedy. For more: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/atlantis-info.html Photo credit: NASA/Louie Rochefort

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new space shuttle, Atlantis, arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The shuttle is mounted atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boeing 747. Over the next seven months Atlantis will be prepared for its maiden voyage, STS-51J. Atlantis, NASA's fourth space-rated shuttle, was named after the two-masted boat that served as the primary research vessel for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts from 1930 to 1966. The boat had a 17-member crew and accommodated up to five scientists who worked in two onboard laboratories, examining water samples and marine life. Like its predecessors, Atlantis was constructed by Rockwell International in Palmdale, Calif. The spacecraft was transported over land from Palmdale to Edwards Air Force Base on April 3, 1985 for the cross-country ferry flight to Kennedy. For more: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/atlantis-info.html Photo credit: NASA/Louie Rochefort

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new space shuttle, Atlantis, arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The shuttle is mounted atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boeing 747. Over the next seven months Atlantis will be prepared for its maiden voyage, STS-51J. Atlantis, NASA's fourth space-rated shuttle, was named after the two-masted boat that served as the primary research vessel for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts from 1930 to 1966. The boat had a 17-member crew and accommodated up to five scientists who worked in two onboard laboratories, examining water samples and marine life. Like its predecessors, Atlantis was constructed by Rockwell International in Palmdale, Calif. The spacecraft was transported over land from Palmdale to Edwards Air Force Base on April 3, 1985 for the cross-country ferry flight to Kennedy. For more: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/atlantis-info.html Photo credit: NASA/Louie Rochefort

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new space shuttle, Atlantis, arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The shuttle is mounted atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boeing 747. Over the next seven months Atlantis will be prepared for its maiden voyage, STS-51J. Atlantis, NASA's fourth space-rated shuttle, was named after the two-masted boat that served as the primary research vessel for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts from 1930 to 1966. The boat had a 17-member crew and accommodated up to five scientists who worked in two onboard laboratories, examining water samples and marine life. Like its predecessors, Atlantis was constructed by Rockwell International in Palmdale, Calif. The spacecraft was transported over land from Palmdale to Edwards Air Force Base on April 3, 1985 for the cross-country ferry flight to Kennedy. For more: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/atlantis-info.html Photo credit: NASA/Louie Rochefort

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new space shuttle, Atlantis, arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The shuttle is mounted atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boeing 747. Over the next seven months Atlantis will be prepared for its maiden voyage, STS-51J. Atlantis, NASA's fourth space-rated shuttle, was named after the two-masted boat that served as the primary research vessel for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts from 1930 to 1966. The boat had a 17-member crew and accommodated up to five scientists who worked in two onboard laboratories, examining water samples and marine life. Like its predecessors, Atlantis was constructed by Rockwell International in Palmdale, Calif. The spacecraft was transported over land from Palmdale to Edwards Air Force Base on April 3, 1985 for the cross-country ferry flight to Kennedy. For more: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/atlantis-info.html Photo credit: NASA/Louie Rochefort

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new space shuttle, Atlantis, arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The shuttle is mounted atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boeing 747. Over the next seven months Atlantis will be prepared for its maiden voyage, STS-51J. Atlantis, NASA's fourth space-rated shuttle, was named after the two-masted boat that served as the primary research vessel for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts from 1930 to 1966. The boat had a 17-member crew and accommodated up to five scientists who worked in two onboard laboratories, examining water samples and marine life. Like its predecessors, Atlantis was constructed by Rockwell International in Palmdale, Calif. The spacecraft was transported over land from Palmdale to Edwards Air Force Base on April 3, 1985 for the cross-country ferry flight to Kennedy. For more: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/atlantis-info.html Photo credit: NASA/Louie Rochefort

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro speaks during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson speaks during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC) in Florida, KSCVC Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore speaks during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Jeremy Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware North Companies, speaks during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Lt. Governor of Florida Jennifer Carroll speaks during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, state and local dignitaries speak during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, members of the Titusville High School marching band play music before the start of a Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden speaks with NASA Social attendees during the move of space shuttle Atlantis, Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Kennedy Space Center Director Robert Cabana takes a picture of space shuttle Atlantis, Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden speaks with NASA Social attendees during the move of space shuttle Atlantis, Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Onlookers watch as space shuttle Atlantis rolls to its new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, early Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Workers carry a banner full of signatures while following behind space shuttle Atlantis as it begins its trek to its new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, early Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during 33 spaceflights, including 12 missions to the International Space Station. Its final flight, STS-135, closed out the Space Shuttle Program era with a landing on July 21, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

STS110-S-039 (19 April 2002) --- The Space Shuttle Atlantis heads for touchdown on the runway at the KSC landing facility to complete a nearly 11-day journey. Astronaut Michael J. Bloomfield, mission commander, eased Atlantis to a textbook landing on runway 3-3 at the Florida spaceport at 12:27 p.m. (EDT), April 19, 2002, under clear skies and light winds. The landing completed a 4.5-million-mile mission that saw successful delivery and installation of the centerpiece of the International Space Station’s main truss and the inaugural run of the first space railcar, the Mobile Transporter.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore speaks during a Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Seated at right, are Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro; Lt. Governor of Florida Jennifer Carroll; Jeremy Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware North Companies; and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

S132-E-012320 (23 May 2010) --- Space shuttle Atlantis? vertical stabilizer, orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pods and payload bay; along with the distant International Space Station and moon are featured in this image photographed by an STS-132 crew member onboard the shuttle. The space station appears very small from the point of view of the Atlantis as the two spacecraft carry out their relative separation. Undocking of the two spacecraft occurred at 10:22 a.m. (CDT) on May 23, 2010.

NASA's modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with the Space Shuttle Atlantis on top lifts off from Edwards Air Force Base to begin its ferry flight back to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The cross-country journey will take approximately two days, with stops at several intermediate points for refueling.

NASA's modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with the Space Shuttle Atlantis on top lifts off from Edwards Air Force Base to begin its ferry flight back to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The cross-country journey will take approximately two days, with stops at several intermediate points for refueling.

NASA's modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with the Space Shuttle Atlantis on top lifts off from Edwards Air Force Base to begin its ferry flight back to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The cross-country journey will take approximately two days, with stops at several intermediate points for refueling.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians install window No. 4 on space shuttle Atlantis. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of space shuttles Atlantis and Endeavour. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and is scheduled to roll over to the complex in November. The visitor complex is targeting a July 2013 grand opening for Atlantis’ new home. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis is seen with a portion of window No. 4 installed. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of space shuttles Atlantis and Endeavour. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and is scheduled to roll over to the complex in November. The visitor complex is targeting a July 2013 grand opening for Atlantis’ new home. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – During a ceremony in the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, state and local dignitaries break ground for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. From left, are KSCVC Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore; Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro; Lt. Governor of Florida Jennifer Carroll; Jeremy Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware North Companies; and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC) in Florida, Jeremy Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware North Companies, speaks during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Seated at right, are KSCVC Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore; Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro; Lt. Governor of Florida Jennifer Carroll; and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC) in Florida, STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson speaks during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Seated at right, are KSCVC Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore; Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro; Lt. Governor of Florida Jennifer Carroll; and Jeremy Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware North Companies. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC) in Florida, Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll speaks during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Seated at right, are KSCVC Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore; Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro; Jeremy Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware North Companies; and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – During a ceremony in the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC) in Florida, state and local dignitaries break ground for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. From left, are KSCVC Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore; Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro; Lt. Governor of Florida Jennifer Carroll; Jeremy Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware North Companies; and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC) in Florida, state and local dignitaries participate in a Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. From left, are KSCVC Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore; Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro; Lt. Governor of Florida Jennifer Carroll; Jeremy Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware North Companies; and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, state and local dignitaries participate in a Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. The group includes KSCVC Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore; Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro; Lt. Governor of Florida Jennifer Carroll; Jeremy Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware North Companies; and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC) in Florida, Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro speaks during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Seated at right, are KSCVC Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore; Lt. Governor of Florida Jennifer Carroll; Jeremy Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware North Companies; and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC) in Florida, dignitaries wait to speak during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. From left, are KSCVC Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore; Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro; Lt. Governor of Florida Jennifer Carroll; Jeremy Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware North Companies; and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC) in Florida, Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore speaks during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Seated at right, are Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro; Lt. Governor of Florida Jennifer Carroll; and Jeremy Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware North Companies. Partially blocked from view is STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians prepare to install window No. 4 on space shuttle Atlantis. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of space shuttles Atlantis and Endeavour. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and is scheduled to roll over to the complex in November. The visitor complex is targeting a July 2013 grand opening for Atlantis’ new home. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians prepare to install window No. 4 on space shuttle Atlantis. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of space shuttles Atlantis and Endeavour. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and is scheduled to roll over to the complex in November. The visitor complex is targeting a July 2013 grand opening for Atlantis’ new home. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a United Space Alliance technician installs a component of window No. 4 on space shuttle Atlantis. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of space shuttles Atlantis and Endeavour. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and is scheduled to roll over to the complex in November. The visitor complex is targeting a July 2013 grand opening for Atlantis’ new home. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a United Space Alliance technician inspects window No. 4 for imperfections before it is installed on space shuttle Atlantis. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of space shuttles Atlantis and Endeavour. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and is scheduled to roll over to the complex in November. The visitor complex is targeting a July 2013 grand opening for Atlantis’ new home. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians install one of the components of window No. 4 on space shuttle Atlantis. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of space shuttles Atlantis and Endeavour. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and is scheduled to roll over to the complex in November. The visitor complex is targeting a July 2013 grand opening for Atlantis’ new home. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a United Space Alliance technician installs a component of window No. 4 on space shuttle Atlantis. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of space shuttles Atlantis and Endeavour. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and is scheduled to roll over to the complex in November. The visitor complex is targeting a July 2013 grand opening for Atlantis’ new home. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians prepare one of the components of window No. 4 for installation on space shuttle Atlantis. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of space shuttles Atlantis and Endeavour. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and is scheduled to roll over to the complex in November. The visitor complex is targeting a July 2013 grand opening for Atlantis’ new home. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a United Space Alliance technician installs a component of window No. 4 on space shuttle Atlantis. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of space shuttles Atlantis and Endeavour. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and is scheduled to roll over to the complex in November. The visitor complex is targeting a July 2013 grand opening for Atlantis’ new home. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians inspect window No. 4 in order to prepare it for installation on space shuttle Atlantis. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of space shuttles Atlantis and Endeavour. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and is scheduled to roll over to the complex in November. The visitor complex is targeting a July 2013 grand opening for Atlantis’ new home. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, three replica shuttle main engines RSMEs have been installed on the space shuttle Atlantis. Three RSMEs were installed on Atlantis. The replicas were built in the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine shop at KSC to replace the space shuttle main engines SSMEs which will be placed in storage to support NASA's Space Launch System currently under development. The RSME installation is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the space shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18, 2012 for Atlantis’ future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex during November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, three replica shuttle main engines RSMEs have been installed on the space shuttle Atlantis. Three RSMEs were installed on Atlantis. The replicas were built in the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine shop at KSC to replace the space shuttle main engines SSMEs which will be placed in storage to support NASA's Space Launch System currently under development. The RSME installation is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the space shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18, 2012 for Atlantis’ future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex during November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a large crane is being used to move the right orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pod away from space shuttle Atlantis. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Atlantis. Both OMS pods will be removed and sent to White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico where they will undergo a complete deservicing and cleaning and then be returned to Kennedy for reinstallation on Atlantis. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians help secure space shuttle Atlantis’ right orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pod onto a pallet. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Atlantis. Both OMS pods will be removed and sent to White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico where they will undergo a complete deservicing and cleaning and then be returned to Kennedy for reinstallation on Atlantis. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians help secure a sling around space shuttle Atlantis’ right orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pod. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Atlantis. The OMS pod will be removed and sent to White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico where it will undergo a complete deservicing and cleaning and then be returned to Kennedy for reinstallation on Atlantis. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians monitor the progress as a large crane lowers space shuttle Atlantis’ right orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pod onto a pallet. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Atlantis. Both OMS pods will be removed and sent to White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico where they will undergo a complete deservicing and cleaning and then be returned to Kennedy for reinstallation on Atlantis. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a large crane is being used to remove the right orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pod from space shuttle Atlantis. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Atlantis. Both OMS pods will be removed and sent to White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico where they will undergo a complete deservicing and cleaning and then be returned to Kennedy for reinstallation on Atlantis. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians monitor the progress as a large crane lowers space shuttle Atlantis’ right orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pod onto a pallet. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Atlantis. Both OMS pods will be removed and sent to White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico where they will undergo a complete deservicing and cleaning and then be returned to Kennedy for reinstallation on Atlantis. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a large crane is being used to move the right orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pod away from space shuttle Atlantis. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Atlantis. Both OMS pods will be removed and sent to White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico where they will undergo a complete deservicing and cleaning and then be returned to Kennedy for reinstallation on Atlantis. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians help secure a sling around space shuttle Atlantis’ right orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pod and prepare it for removal. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Atlantis. The OMS pod will be removed and sent to White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico where it will undergo a complete deservicing and cleaning and then be returned to Kennedy for reinstallation on Atlantis. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians monitor the progress as a large crane lowers space shuttle Atlantis’ right orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pod onto a pallet. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Atlantis. Both OMS pods will be removed and sent to White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico where they will undergo a complete deservicing and cleaning and then be returned to Kennedy for reinstallation on Atlantis. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians help secure a sling around space shuttle Atlantis’ right orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pod and prepare it for removal. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Atlantis. The OMS pod will be removed and sent to White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico where it will undergo a complete deservicing and cleaning and then be returned to Kennedy for reinstallation on Atlantis. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians monitor the progress as a large crane lowers a sling toward space shuttle Atlantis’ right orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pod. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Atlantis. The OMS pod will be removed and sent to White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico where it will undergo a complete deservicing and cleaning and then be returned to Kennedy for reinstallation on Atlantis. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians monitor the progress as a large crane lifts the right orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pod from space shuttle Atlantis. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Atlantis. Both OMS pods will be removed and sent to White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico where they will undergo a complete deservicing and cleaning and then be returned to Kennedy for reinstallation on Atlantis. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians monitor the progress as a large crane lowers a sling that will be secured around space shuttle Atlantis’ right orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pod. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Atlantis. The OMS pod will be removed and sent to White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico where it will undergo a complete deservicing and cleaning and then be returned to Kennedy for reinstallation on Atlantis. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians help secure a sling around space shuttle Atlantis’ right orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pod. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Atlantis. The OMS pod will be removed and sent to White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico where it will undergo a complete deservicing and cleaning and then be returned to Kennedy for reinstallation on Atlantis. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are underway to begin closing the payload bay doors on space shuttle Atlantis in preparation for its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the space shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis’ future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis’ payload bay doors were closed in preparation for its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the space shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis’ future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis